Coal Slurry Injection
The mine was given by permission by Illinois regulators to inject coal slurry into the ground, despite the protests of citizens. Coal slurry is a byproduct of washing coal, and can contain arsenic, heavy metals, and other pollutants. In 2009, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources approved a request by Crown 3 owners to start injecting slurry in a different location. Permission at Crown 3 came in the form of an “insignificant permit revision,” meaning that a hearing and public notification weren’t required. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) categorizes slurry injection wells as the sort used to get rid of non-hazardous waste, and no IEPA permit is required before operations begin. See“Activists raise concerns about coal mine slurry injection in Illinois” July 18, 2010.